Using Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD) as an organisational learning tool to raise management awareness of the eco-sustainability challenge and to facilitate operational problem solving

Abstract

This paper introduces Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD) as an organisational learning tool which should help managers of manufacturing firms to build awareness and understanding of the eco-sustainability challenge. In order to achieve that, the literature and case studies are used to analyse the drivers of the eco-sustainability challenge as well as their impact on innovation in the form of eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness. Better understanding supports management to deal with this challenge and to sustain competitive advantage. CLD are a useful tool to structure and visualise components of the sustainability challenge and to highlight important cause-effect relations between components.